Allison Ponthier – Skin

It’s been a year in-between releases for Allison Ponthier, and she’s returned with one of her strongest tracks yet. “Skin” is a song that explores her inner-saboteur, as she delves into her insecurities and wishes she could be someone else when she finds herself becoming jealous of things she doesn’t see in herself. It’s something most of us will encounter at one point or another in our life, and it can also take on a double meaning for people with the way the songwriting allows you to interpret the jealousy and comparing. She’s added a spin on the reflection with a horror-esque approach with some of the wording which adds a little humour to a very vulnerable song. “And I can’t even hate her, she deserves the world and this song. I’d say, I wanna wear your skin just for a day. I wanna feel special for a change” she sings. The production continues her pop-country exploration that feels reminiscent of Kacey Musgraves and MUNA with beautiful melodies that bring a calming energy to an otherwise fragile song about insecurities, and makes you feel not-so-alone in these feelings. 

Nina Nesbitt – Pages

Following the launch of her independent record label ‘Apple Tree Records’, Nina Nesbitt is ready to open new chapter after nearly two years between releases. The poignant folk-pop lead single “Pages” is a return to her songwriting roots, and hears the Scottish singer, songwriter and producer  giving an autobiographical recount of her 20’s. It’s a moment of reflection as she details where she’s at in her life right now in a very candid way. The captivating lyricism feels like a conscious stream of thoughts. She has this natural ability to draw you in and leave you lingering on every word as she delves deeper and deeper into her inner-monologue. “Oh, I miss my friends and the way it was. They’ve got big plans and city jobs. The truth is, I’m still kinda lost. My parents split now, they don’t talk. But I guess that they aren’t heroes. We’ll all make the same mistakes” she honestly unravels before latter confessing, “I’m two years from thirty and life scares me more each day. I’ve got a man that swears he loves me, but I’m afraid that he won’t stay”. But the song’s best lyrical moment comes from; “I’m a master at commitment. I’m a novice at letting go. And all the songs played on my car rides now me better than my ghosts”. There’s just something about that line that hits you extra hard in the chest and has you feeling so understood. The tender production hears guitar, keys, and strings coming together so simply with Nina’s delicate vocals to create this warm folk-pop sound. From the very first listen you will find yourself captivated and itching for more candid moments from her. 

The Marias – Run Your Mouth

Los Angeles-based indie pop band The Marias have excitingly announced their sophomore album “Submarine” will be released on May 31. To coincide with the news they’ve shared the infectiously-laden lead single “Run Your Mouth”. This subtle pop banger grows on you with every listen and gives you a little punch of attitude mixed with vulnerability. Written about being conflict avoidant, lead vocalist Maria details running away from her problems instead of just facing them straight-on. “When we talk about everything that happened, would rather sit around, I don’t need a lesson. You’d just call me out, call me when I’m distant” she sings during the lush chorus. The production has this synth led groove to it that intertwines with the guitars and drums so perfectly. You’ll find yourself immediately dancing away and singing along to the catchy refrain. 

Alfie Templeman – Radiosoul

Following the release of the groovy 80’s inspired lead single “Eyes Wide Shut”, British breakout star Alfie Templeman has announced that his sophomore studio album “Radiosoul” will be released on June 7. He’s also shared the title track as an extra little treat that gives listeners a peep into the psychedelic-pop world he’s created within this forthcoming record. Taking the foundations of the lead single and stripping it away into this more psychedelic space that infuses jazz and pop influences together, you’ll find yourself completely captivated by the nuances and slight production quirks that make this song so unique. Reflecting on a time where he was hiding away from social media and his phone to escape the noise it has in his life, it’s a song about reconnecting with yourself and finding that much-needed air in the modern world. “I stashed my problems in a tupperware cause there’s nobody ever looking there. I tried to tock but I can’t tick your box, it’s such a superficial world” he honestly sings.